3D-printed triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures as catalyst carriers

Abstract

The flow and forced convection heat transfer properties of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices were investigated both experimentally and numerically. The TPMS structures consist of periodically arranged Gyroid (G) unit cells of 81% porosity and different unit cell sizes (2-4mm). This is the first study to evaluate the effect of cell diameter on pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics of solid-gyroid structures prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) technique. Moreover, the range of pore-based Reynolds number covered the laminar and turbulent regimes (Rep=11-1700). The results shown that larger cell diameter provides higher heat transfer coefficients and unit pressure drop. An increase of cell diameter from 2mm to 4mm can enhance heat transfer coefficient and unit pressure drop of 39% and 85%, respectively. New correlations for flow resistance and heat transfer of solid-gyroid structures were developed. It was confirmed that TPMS lattices can be an alternative to conventional catalytic supports, because they provide comparable thermal efficiency index as foam and packed bed.